Six Suspects by Vikas Swarup

In Six Suspects, Vicky Rai has gotten away with murder yet again. At his party to celebrate his acquittal, he is murdered. When the police search the party attendees, six are found with guns: The Bureaucrat, Mohan Kumar; The Actress, Shabnam Saxena ; The Tribal, Eketi; The Thief, Munna Mobile; The Politician, Jagannath Rai; and The American, Larry Page. All are immediately suspected of murdering Rai. "India's best-known investigative journalist", Arun Advani, guides the reader through the crime as he investigates the suspects and tries to flesh out the murderer.

This unusual and uniquely presented murder mystery was sensational and a joy to read. It's definitely one of the best I've read this year. Using different sections, Vikas Swarup takes the reader through the suspects, the motives, the evidence and, finally the solution to the crime all while giving the reader a glimpse into life in India. While the stories of each character remains mostly separate, some of the characters do make guest appearances in the others' stories as the author reveals some connections amongst the characters. In the end, it seemed a bit like a spider's web, but still very easy to follow.

Speaking of characters, they were a wonderful outrageous group, albeit offbeat, representing different aspects of life in India. Like the story line and the presentation, the characters were original, but seemed a little larger than life. I loved them all and appreciated all of the background information the author presented. I don't think I had a favourite, but I really liked Eketi, Mohan and Shabnam.

I loved how Swarup used different writing styles for some of the characters. It helped to differentiate them and their sections. For example, he used only dialogue for the politician and diary entries for the actress. The American's story was chalk full of hilarious clichés that made me laugh-out-loud a number of times. You could just tell that Swarup has a fantastic sense of humour. [I wonder if it gets to use it much in his day job.]

Every mystery needs a good ending and this one didn't disappoint. The ending with its carefully crafted wicked twist was priceless. I didn't see it coming and still shake my head when I think of how Swarup revealed the culprit.

I've also read Slumdog Millionaire (originally published as Q & A ) by this author and loved it. I also saw the movie based on the book and was surprised at how different it was. It was well worth seeing.

I love reading books set in India and never tire of them. I'm beginning to think that maybe I was in India in a previous life. However, that's doubtful since the names still give me a little trouble and trip me up sometimes. I figure the more I read, the better I'll get. Eventually, I hope to overcome this "disability". It's not going to stop me from reading more books by India authors or books set in India. I'm definitely looking forward to Swarup's next book. He's one of my new favourites.

For more information regarding this book or to Browse Inside, please visit the HarperCollins Canada.

Highly recommended.

Home by Marilynne Robinson

In Home, Glory has come home to look after her ailing father. She's not been home long when they get word that Jack, the prodigal son, has decided to return. Glory's father, Robert, is ecstatic, but Glory isn't too sure about it. Because of the difference in age, Glory doesn't get along with Jack that well. In fact, she really doesn't know him that well. As her father's health continues to fail, Jack helps with the yard work and attends to his father, but is clearly bothered by something and he tries to keep to himself. Along the way, we learn more about the Jack's past, where's he been for 20 years and why he's returned. The story transports the reader to the 1950s, a simpler time when men wore suits even while at home and women were expected to be keepers of the house.

To say this book is beautifully written is an understatement. It's gorgeous with a lyrical quality to it. It took me a few pages to get into this story, though. I guess I've been reading novels that are more plainly written and less complex and it took me some time to get into the rhythm. Once I did, though, I loved every word. The theological discussions amongst the characters were especially interesting. Theoretical without being preachy.

Robinson's characters were exceptional, complex, fascinating and flawed. Jack made me wary and filled my head with questions. Why come back? Why now? Why leave the first place? I think Glory may have felt a little of this at the beginning. She didn't trust him. Jack's return brought them all closer together, yet there still remained some distance between them.

Jack's comment to Glory about not belonging in the house in Gilead, got me thinking about the word "home". Where is home? Is it the place you grew up? Is it the place where you're heart is (isn't that a saying or something?) Is it where all your stuff is? Is the location important or can "home" be anywhere your family happens to be living? And perhaps the one question that kept popping up: Can you ever go home again?

There are many wonderful and delicious passages scattered throughout the book. I wished I'd marked some of them for inclusion here, but I was so caught up in the reading, I didn't. I just know that this review really isn't doing the book justice. It's simply one of the most beautiful books I've read in a long time. Writing, characters, storyline...all divine. Even the cover is gorgeous. It's so reminiscent of the setting and to me it just says "home".

Highly recommended. I'm now really looking forward to reading Robinson's other books, especially Gilead which is, I believe, the another side of the same story told from another character's perspective.

For more information about this book or to Browse Inside, please visit the HarperCollins Canada website.

Life Sentences by Laura Lippman

In Life Sentences Cassandra Fallows, an author, has an idea for her new book. She's already written three, 2 of which were bestsellers. When she hears an old classmate's name, Calliope Jenkins, mentioned in a news report, she decides to investigate further and use the story in her next book. Callie has spent seven years in prison for killing her child yet has told no one what really happened. While Cassandra searches for Callie, she discovers that you can't always rely on your own memories to find the truth.

In this well-written, suspenseful novel, Laura Lippman examines memory and truth. She illustrates her points using characters who knew each other in grade school and members of the protagonist's own family. It's interesting how individuals remember things differently. I've already encountered this with my own family in that when we reminisce, we discover that we not only remember different details, we remember the events differently. A quick personal example to illustrate my point: Supposedly, when I was very little I fell down the stairs. My sister, who was also very little at the time, remembers this. All I remember is that the little girl in the white dress fell. I have no memory of it being me. Weird, eh?

Anyway, Lippman is a wonderful writer and has created a diverse cast of characters for this novel. Because Cassandra spends considerable time tracking Callie down through old friends and her lawyer. there's not much of a mystery. However, the story will leave you on the edge of your seat waiting to see how it all turns out.

One thing that surprised me in the story was that people didn't come forward or try to contact Cassandra to straighten out the facts once her books were published. I guess that's where truth
comes in. Sometimes the truth is more awful than we want to remember.

For some reason, this book didn't grab me the way Lippman's other books did. I really enjoyed it, but for me something was missing.

Recommended. This wasn't my favourite book from Lippman, but I love her work and will continue to read more of her books. If you'd like to read more of her books, I'd also recommend: What the Dead Know and Another Thing to Fall.

For more information about this book, visit the HarperCollins Canada website. For more information about the author or her other books, please visit Laura Lippman's website.

The Scarecrow by Michael Connelly

In The Scarecrow, Jack McEvoy, a crime reporter for the Los Angeles Times, has just been told he's being laid off. Shortly after that he receives a call from a woman complaining about one of his stories. In that story, a 16 year old boy is accused of murdering a young woman. The woman on the phone swears this boy is innocent even though the police say he has confessed to the crime. Since his career as a crime reporter is near the end, McEvoy decides to produce the story of his career focusing on how society helped create this teenage murderer. However, as his investigation begins to heat up, McEvoy soon realizes that something is wrong with the confession and the case need closer examination.

I loved this book. It contains all of the things a great thriller should. It's fast paced with plenty of intrigue and wonderful, convincing characters. Once I picked it up, I didn't put it down for very long until I got to the explosive and shocking ending. The story was extremely interesting and intense. I love how Connelly presents the story, jumping back and forth between the good guys and the bad guys. With this story, you don't have to wait until the very end to see the killers, Connelly puts them upfront.

The book is timely as it gives insight into the life of a journalist when newspapers are struggling to keep their heads above water. It also offers a glimpse into the life of a computer genius who can take control someone's life with just a few keystrokes. It was alarming to learn much damage this guy could easily do from his computer. With all of our personal information stored on various computers around the world that "hackers" potentially have access to...well that's more than a little bit scary.

The book is filled with some great characters. I especially loved Jack McEvoy. He sought to right a wrong and diligently and tenaciously worked the clues that he uncovered.

Scattered throughout the novel, there are 12 URLs (website addresses) in the text which relate to the story. If you're the adventurous type, try typing them into your browser. You won't be sorry. I did and was pleasantly surprised by what I found. Incidentally, I waited until I finished the book, to check out the websites. You just never know when a spoiler will surprise you. These URL "extras" were definitely one of the things I loved about this book.

This isn't the first of Connelly's books I've read. Coincidently, I also read The Poet which just so happens to be mentioned in this book several times and features the same two main characters, Jack and Rachel. I'll definitely be reading more of his books. I'd love to check out the Harry Bosch books. I've heard great things about them.

Highly recommended.

For more information:
- about the author, visit Michael Connelly's website.
- about the book, visit the Hachette Book Group. Look on the right hand sidebar for a great Q&A with the author, as well as Reading Group Guide.

The Girl Next Door by Elizabeth Noble

The Girl Next Door, highlights four intersecting stories about the people who live in one particular apartment building in New York. There's Eve and Ed who've recently moved to New York from London; Jason and Kimberley, their young daughter Avery and the Schulmans next door; Violet, the elderly neighbour who's friendly enough, yet remains somewhat distant; Jackson Grayling III, the lazy but incredibly rich bachelor; Charlotte Murphy who lives in a dream world; and a host of other minor, but still memorable, characters.

This book is fantastic. I loved every word and enjoyed reading it immensely. I adored watching the story unfold as the bits and pieces from of the characters lives were interwoven into one cohesive novel. Even though the stories jumps around from story to story and character to character, I found it very easy to follow. I admit that I found the list of characters at the beginning daunting. I couldn't imagine how I was going to keep everyone straight and remember them all. However, Noble is an expert storyteller. She leads the reader through the stories and often provides gentle reminders as to who the characters are.

While the stories remain mostly separate, the characters have interactions with each other and are brought together by the desire for a rooftop garden. Each story provides a little glimpse into their lives: getting the pretty girl's attention, being lonely in the new city, having a baby, falling for the doorman, fantasizing about the next door neighbour, dealing with the infidelity of a partner. It's sort of everyday stuff, which makes this book and its characters so easy to relate to. I think the title reflects that, too. Every one of the characters could be the "girl next door" (or "boy next door"). While their actions were not always admirable, they were genuine and believable.

With so many characters, you'd think there would be at least one I didn't like. Surprisingly, there wasn't. That is, I really liked them all. I especially loved Violet. I was totally memorized by her fascinating and heartbreaking life story as she was telling it to Eve. I also really liked Todd and Gregory because they made me laugh.

Highly recommended. This is probably one of the best books I've read so far this year. I'll definitely be looking for more works by Elizabeth Noble.

For more information about this book, please visit the Penguin Canada website.

Strangers by Anita Brookner

In Strangers, Paul Sturgis is a retired bank manager who lives alone. In fact, he's alone a lot. The only other person left from his family is a cousin by marriage with whom he doesn't get along, but still manages to visit every Sunday. His only other interactions are with strangers; his hairdresser, the people he sees in coffee shops, the people he meets on trips. He's lonely and desperately wants more, but it just isn't happening. That is until he meets Vicky Gardner, many years his junior, in Venice. She mainly interested in herself and very demanding, but at least she's some company for Paul. Sometime later, he runs into an old girlfriend, Sarah, and they try to find some common ground again. He knows he's near the end of his life and ponders how he's going to spend those days.

This is a terrific book. Brookner examines the loneliness and uncertainties of old age with wonderful, beautifully written prose that accentuates just how alone Paul is. Reading it was a little emotionally draining, though. At times the book is very depressing. I kept thinking about growing old, being alone and coping with it all. In contrast, a few of the events are exasperating bordering on comical.

While I really liked Paul, not all of the characters were likeable. Vicky was maddening. She was only interested in herself and what she could get from others. I could see why Paul put up with her though. Someone is better than no one, I guess. I couldn't quite get a handle on Sarah, Paul's former girlfriend. I'm not sure why, possibly because I didn't really like her either. I also couldn't understand some of Paul's reactions towards her. Even with the company that Paul finds, it struck me that he was still with strangers. Vicky did almost nothing to find out about Paul and Sarah had changed so much she, too, was now a stranger.

I'll admit that while I enjoyed reading this book, my attention wondered more than once. There's not a lot of action in the story. Mostly, the novel takes place inside Paul's mind while he remembers past events and tries to figure out where to go from here. I still enjoyed it enough to think about reading it again.

Recommended. I'd love to read another novel by Brookner. Her writing is superb.

For more information about this book, please visit the Penguin Canada website.

Into the Beautiful North by Luis Alberto Urrea

In Into the Beautiful North, Nayeli, a young woman, has noticed that there are very few men living in her town. They have all gone north to find work and perhaps a better life. This has left her town in a vulnerable position against the bandidos. After watching the movie The Magnificent Seven, she decides to head north to America to recruit her own group to protect the town. Yoloxochitl, Vampi and Tacho, her three friends, accompany her on this journey north. Nayeli also has another mission: to track down and hopefully bring back her father, who travelled north and left his family behind. The trips isn't without its trials and tribulations, but the group is determined to succeed.

I adored this book. It's a wonderful novel about friendship, love, betrayal, discovery and so much more. I love learning about different cultures, but haven't read much about Mexicans or Mexico before. This book was a real eye-opener for me. Urrea shows us the lives of illegal Mexicans as they attempt to cross the border into the United States and travel under the radar. When Nayeli and Tacho were travelling across the country, it was interesting to see and experience America through their eyes. I also loved how Urrea introduced the phonetic pronunciations of some of the difficult names. Without his help for Nayeli (nah/YELL/ee) and Yoloxochitl (YO-low/SO-sheet), I would have been lost.

There were quite a few surprises in the book for me. I was very surprised at the outcome La Osa's and Chava's interviews. I don't want to give too much away, so I'll leave it at that. I was also surprised by the way the legal Mexicans treated Nayeli and Tacho. I guess it made some sense, but I didn't expect it. I was also struck by the absurdity of process when the guard asks Tacho if he's going to cross the border again after being caught the first time. Tacho replies "Yes" to which the Border Patrol says, "All right. See you next week".

The book is filled with fantastic characters. Nayeli was a brave young woman who took matters into her own hands to save her town and get her father back. She seemed vulnerable at times, but had great leadership abilities. Besides Nayeli, my favourite character was Tacho. He made me laugh so many times throughout the book. I won't forget him anytime soon. I also loved the Atómiko and the couple, Doña Araceli and Don Porfirio, who took in the group and shared what they had even though they had so little themselves.

The next time I see President Obama or an American news program talking about illegal aliens and securing the borders, I'll definitely be thinking of Nayeli and her friends. I'll remember that they were good people with honourable intentions. People first, illegal second.

Highly recommended. I'd definitely read another book by Urrea.

For more information about this book, please visit Hachette Book Group's website.